Timberwolves End Coaching Search with Saunders

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor officially announced Flip Saunders as the team's new head coach at a press conference Friday.

"I am really very happy with the situation," Glen Taylor said. "It isn't where I thought we were going to go but I am pleased with the decision we have made together."

Flip is currently part-owner and the President of Basketball Operations for the franchise, a position that he will continue, according to Taylor.

"I feel comfortable in that area," Taylor said. "He has some seasoned people on the staff that will continue to be able to run that under Flip's leadership."

The Timberwolves performed an extensive search for a new head coach before rehiring Saunders for the position. Several coaches were interviewed for the position including college coaches, young coaches and veteran coaches.

"We are a mid-market team and there are some limitations that come with that," Saunders said.

Saunders admitted that he had no intention of returning to coaching. "With every team there is a right coach, at the right time, in the right situation and I believe that where we are right now that I am the right guy for this team with this situation."

The decision to reinstate Flip as the Timberwolves' head coach was attributed to many factors, according to Taylor.

Taylor stated the Wolves' roster is relatively set with a number of people under contract. Stating that Flip's familiarity with these players will make the transition an easier process.

The need to begin the search for an assistant coach was also a crucial factor in the team's decision, according to Taylor. "It is always important to get assistant coaches that fit our particular needs," Taylor said. "By doing it now, we can attract the people to that job."

The amount of time Flip will spend as the Timberwolves' head coach is unknown. "This is a step-by-step and I don't think we are going to put a timeline on it," Saunders said. "We said we would go this year and then re-evaluate at the end of the year and see where we are at."

With rumors of Kevin Love preparing to leave the Timberwolves, Saunders confirmed his decision to coach was not made for one single player. "It's about the team, not about the individual," Saunders said. "So the decision that was best for our team, we did not take into consideration on what kind of impact it would have on any of our players."

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